Dell Mobile Workstation Precision M2400 User manual

Troubleshooting
Mobile Workstation Precision™ M2400 Service Manual
Troubleshooting Tools
Solving Problems
Dell Technical Update Service
Dell Support Utility
Troubleshooting Tools
Diagnostic Lights
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
Your computer has three keyboard status lights located above the keyboard. During normal operation,
the keyboard status lights display the current status (on or off) of the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and
croll Lock features. If the computer starts without error, the lights flash, and then turn off. If the
computer malfunctions, however, you can use the status of the lights to help identify the problem.
NOTE: After the computer completes PO T, the Num Lock light may remain on, depending on
your BIO settings. For more information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™
Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.
Diagnostic Light Codes During POST
To troubleshoot a problem with your computer, read the sequence of the keyboard status lights in
order from left to right (Num Lock, Caps Lock, and then croll Lock). If the computer malfunctions,
the individual lights display a status of either On , Off , or Flashing .
Light
Pattern
Problem
Description
Suggested Resolution
No mem
ory modules
are detected.
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
the modules (seeRemoving a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and
restart the computer. If the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory modules (one at a
time) until you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of the same type
into your computer (see Memory).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.

Memory modules
are detected, but a
memory failure has
occurred.
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
the modules (seeRemoving a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and
restart the computer. If the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory modules (one at a
time) until you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of the same type
into your computer (see Memory).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
Memory failed to
initialize or memory
is unsupported.
• If two or more memory modules are installed, remove
the modules (seeRemoving a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and
restart the computer. If the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory modules (one at a
time) until you have identified a faulty module or
reinstalled all modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of the same type
into your computer (see Memory).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
ystem board
failure has occurred.
• Contact Dell upport.
A possible processor
failure has occurred.
• Reseat the processor (see Processor Module).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
A possible graphics
card/video failure
has occurred.
• Reseat any installed graphics cards.
• If available, install a working graphics card into your
computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
A possible LCD
failure has occurred.
• Reseat the LCD cable (see Display Assembly).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
ystem failed on
hard drive
initialization.
• Reseat the hard drive (see Hard Drive).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
ystem failed in
Option ROM
initialization.
• If you have added any plug-in hardware with an option
ROM, try removing or reseating it.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell upport.
A possible modem
failure has occurred.
• If available, install a working modem into your
computer.
• If the problem persists, contact contact Dell upport.

Hardware Troubleshooter
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected, but incorrectly
configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP:
1. Click Start→ Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.
3. In the Fix a Problem section, click Hardware Troubleshooter.
4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, select the option that best describes the problem and
click Next to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Microsoft Windows Vista
®
:
1. Click the Windows Vista start button , and click Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.
3. In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and follow the
remaining troubleshooting steps.
Dell Diagnostics
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Solving Problems, and then run
the Dell Diagnostics before contacting Dell for assistance.
tart the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and tilities media provided with
your computer.
NOTE: The Drivers and tilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter system setup to review your computer's configuration
information, and ensure that the device you want to test is displayed in system setup and is active.
For more information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
computer or at support.dell.com.

The Dell Diagnostics is located on a separate diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. ee the
documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
NOTE: If your computer does not display a screen image, contact Dell upport.
1. Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working
properly.
2. Press and hold the <Fn> key or the mute button then turn on your computer.
NOTE: Alternatively, you can select Diagnostics from the one-time boot menu at startup
to boot to the diagnostic utility partition and run the Dell Diagnostics.
The computer runs the Pre-boot ystem Assessment (P A), a series of initial tests of your
system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.
o During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
o If failures are detected during the Pre-boot ystem Assessment, write down
the error code(s) and contact Dell upport.
o If the Pre-boot ystem Assessment completes successfully, the following
message appears: "Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press
any key to continue."
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run
the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and tilities media (see Starting the Dell Diagnostics
From the Drivers and Utilities Media).
3. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard
drive.
4. Press <Tab> to select Test System and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your
computer. electing Test Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up
to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test completes, record the test results and
then press any key to return to the previous menu.
5. At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the touch pad/mouse, or press <Tab> and
then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and
follow the instructions on the screen.
6. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main
Menu.
7. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run
the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and tilities media (see Starting the Dell Diagnostics
From the Drivers and Utilities Media).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter system setup to review your computer's configuration
information, and ensure that the device you want to test is displayed in system setup and is active.
For more information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your
computer or at support.dell.com.
1. Insert the Drivers and tilities media into the optical drive.
2. Restart your computer.
3. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time.
To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals to open the
Boot Device Menu.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
4. When the boot device list appears, use the up- or down- arrow keys to
highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drivethen press <Enter>.
NOTE: Using the one-time boot menu changes the boot sequence for the current boot only.
Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.
5. Press any key to confirm that you want to start from the CD/DVD.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
6. Type 1 to Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics.
7. At the Dell Diagnostics Menu, type 1 to select Dell 32-bit Diagnostics for Resource CD
(graphical user interface).
8. Press <Tab> to select Test System and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your
computer. electing Test Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up
to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test completes, record the test results and
then press any key to return to the previous menu.
9. At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then
<Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and
follow the instructions on the screen.
10. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main
Menu.
11. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.
12. Remove the Drivers and tilities media from the optical drive.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
After the Dell Diagnostics loads, the following menu appears:
Option Function
Test Memory Run the stand-alone memory test
Test ystem Run system diagnostics
Exit Exit the diagnostics
Press <Tab> to select the test you want to run and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer.
electingTest Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up to thirty minutes
or more to complete. When the test completes, record the test results and then press any key to
return to this menu.
After Test System is selected, the following menu appears:
Option Function
Express Test
Performs a qui
ck test of devices in the system. This typically can take 10 to 20 minutes.
NOTE: The Express Test requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to
increase the possibility of tracing a problem quickly.
Extended
Test
Performs a thorough check of devices in the system. This typically can take an hour or
more.
NOTE: The Extended Test periodically requires your input to answer specific questions.
Custom Test Use to test a specific device or customize the tests to be run.
ymptom
Tree
This option allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are
having. This option lists the most common symptoms.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test to perform a more thorough check of
devices in the computer.
For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of
the problem. Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears and follow the
instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dell upport.

NOTE: When contacting Dell upport, have your ervice Tag ready. The ervice Tag for your
computer is located at the top of each test screen.
The following tabs provide additional information for tests run from the Custom Test or ymptom Tree
option:
Tab Function
Results Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help Describes the test and any requirements for running the test.
Configuration
Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from ystem
etup, memory, and various internal tests, and displays the information in the device
list in the left pane of the screen.
NOTE: The device list may not display the names of all components installed on your
computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters Allows you to customize the test, if applicable, by changing the test settings.
Error Messages
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
If the error message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that
was running when the message appeared.
A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | — Do not use
these characters in filenames.
A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to open is missing an
essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:
Windows XP:
1. Click Start→
→→
→ Control Panel→
→→
→ Add or Remove Programs→
→→
→ Programs and Features.
2. elect the program you want to remove.
3. Click Uninstall.
4. ee the program documentation for installation instructions.
Windows Vista:
1. Click Start →
→→
→ Control Panel→
→→
→ Programs→
→→
→ Programs and Features.

2. elect the program you want to remove.
3. Click Uninstall.
4. ee the program documentation for installation instructions.
drive letter :\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a
disk into the drive and try again.
nsert bootable media — Insert a bootable floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
Non-system disk error — Remove the floppy disk from the floppy drive and restart your computer.
Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again — Close all windows
and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you may have to restart your computer to
restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.
Operating system not found — Contact Dell upport.
Solving Problems
Follow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:
• If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures
and ensure that the part is correctly installed.
• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.
• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may
help support personnel diagnose and fix the problem(s).
• If an error message occurs in a program, see the program's documentation.
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may
not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view.
Battery Problems
CAUT ON: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed.
Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
Drive Problems

CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
Ensure that Microsoft Windows Recognizes the drive —
Windows XP:
• Click Start and click My Computer.
Windows Vista:
• Click the Windows Vista tart button and click Computer.
If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove
viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.
Test the drive —
• Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective.
• Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.
Clean the drive or disk —
For information on cleaning your computer, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or
atsupport.dell.com.
Check the cable connections
Run the Hardware Troubleshooter —
ee Hardware Troubleshooter.
Run the Dell Diagnostics —
ee Dell Diagnostics.
Optical drive problems
NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate
a defect in the drive or the media.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work
in all DVD drives.
Adjust the Windows volume control —
• Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
• Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up.

• Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.
Check the speakers and subwoofer —
ee Sound and Speaker Problems.
Problems writing to an optical drive
Close other programs —
The optical drive must receive a steady stream of data during the writing process. If the stream is
interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the optical.
Turn off standby mode in Windows before writing to a disc —
For information about setting power options, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or
atsupport.dell.com. You can also search for the keyword standby in Windows Help and upport for
information on power management modes.
Hard drive problems
Run Check Disk —
Windows XP:
1. Click Start and click My Computer.
2. Right-click Local Disk C:.
3. Click Properties→€Tools→ Check Now.
4. Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors and click Start.
Windows Vista:
1. Click Start and click Computer.
2. Right-click Local Disk C:.
3. Click Properties→€Tools→ Check Now.
The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer,
click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
EEE 1394 Device Problems
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety

instructions that shipped with your computer.
NOTE: Your computer supports only IEEE 1394a standard.
Ensure that the cable for the EEE 1394 device is properly inserted into the device and into
the connector on the computer
Ensure that the EEE 1394 device is enabled in system setup — For more information on using
the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or
at support.dell.com.
Ensure that the EEE 1394 device is recognized by Windows —
Windows XP:
1. Click Start and click Control Panel.
2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance→ System→ System
Properties → Hardware→Device Manager.
Windows Vista:
1. Click Start →
→→
→ Control Panel→
→→
→ Hardware and Sound.
2. Click Device Manager.
If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.
f you have problems with a Dell EEE 1394 device —
Contact Dell upport.
f you have problems with an EEE 1394 device not provided by Dell — Contact the IEEE 1394
device manufacturer.
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
The computer does not start up
Check the diagnostic lights —
ee Power Problems.
Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet
The computer stops responding

NOT CE: You may lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system
shutdown.
Turn the computer off — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds (until the computer
turns off), and then restart your computer.
A program stops responding
End the program —
1. Press <Ctrl>< hift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.
2. Click the Applications tab.
3. Click to select the program that is no longer responding.
4. Click End Task.
A program crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk,
CD, or DVD.
Check the software documentation —
If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system
Run the Program Compatibility Wizard —
Windows XP:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to
non-XP operating system environments.
1. Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→€Program Compatibility Wizard→€Next.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows Vista:
The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to
non-Windows Vista operating system environments.

1. Click Start →
→→
→ Control Panel→
→→
→ Programs→
→→
→ Use an older program with this version
of Windows.
2. In the welcome screen, click Next.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
Turn the computer off —
If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press
and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart
your computer.
Other software problems
Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for
troubleshooting information —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the
software. ee the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
Back up your files immediately
Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, CDs, or DVDs
Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start
menu
Memory Problems
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
f you receive an insufficient memory message —
• ave and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that
resolves the problem.
• ee the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install
additional memory (see Replacing a Memory Module).
• Reseat the memory modules (see Memory) to ensure that your computer is successfully
communicating with the memory.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).

f you experience other memory problems —
• Reseat the memory modules (see Memory) to ensure that your computer is successfully
communicating with the memory.
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see Replacing a Memory
Module).
• Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer. For more information
about the type of memory supported by your computer, see the Setup and Quick Reference
Guide for your computer atsupport.dell.com.
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).
Power Problems
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
f the power light is blue and the computer is not responding — ee Diagnostic Lights.
f the power light is off — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
• Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical
outlet.
• Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that
the computer turns on properly.
• Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned
on.
• Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Eliminate interference — ome possible causes of interference are:
• Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
• Too many devices connected to the same power strip
• Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
Sound and Speaker Problems
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
No sound from speakers
NOTE: The volume control in MP3 and other media players may override the Windows volume
setting. Always check to ensure that the volume on the media player(s) has not been turned
down or off.
Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right
corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

Disconnect headphones from the headphone connector — ound from the speakers is
automatically disabled when headphones are connected to the computer's front-panel headphone
connector.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to
check for interference.
Run the Hardware Troubleshooter — ee Hardware Troubleshooter.
No sound from headphones
Check the headphone cable connection — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted
into the headphone connector. ee the Setup and Quick Reference Guide for your computer
at support.dell.com.
Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right
corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
Video and Display Problems
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
NOT CE: f your computer came with a PC graphics card installed, removal of the card
is not necessary when installing additional graphics cards; however, the card is
required for troubleshooting purposes. f you remove the card, store it in a safe and
secure location. For information about your graphics card, go to support.dell.com.
Check the diagnostic lights —
ee Diagnostic Lights.
Check the display settings —
ee the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.
Adjust the Windows display settings —
Windows XP:
1. Click Start→ Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes.
2. Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.
3. Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.
Windows Vista:
1. Click Start →
→→
→ Control Panel→
→→
→ Hardware and Sound→
→→
→ Personalization→
→→
→ Display
Settings.

2. Adjust Resolution and Colors settings, as needed.
Only part of the display is readable
Connect an external monitor —
1. hut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast
controls.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell
upport.
Dell Technical Update Service
The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware
updates for your computer. The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how
frequently you receive notifications.
To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to support.dell.com.
Dell Support Utility
The Dell upport Utility is installed on your computer and available from the Dell upport, , icon
on the taskbar or from the Start button. Use this support utility for self-support information, software
updates, and health scans of your computing environment.
Accessing the Dell Support Utility
Access the Dell upport Utility from the icon on the taskbar or from the Start menu.
If the Dell upport icon does not appear in your taskbar:
1. Click Start→€All Programs→€Dell Support→ Dell Support Settings.
2. Ensure that the Show icon on the taskbar option is checked.
NOTE: If the Dell upport Utility is not available from the Start menu, go
to support.dell.com and download the software.
The Dell upport Utility is customized for your computing environment.

The icon in the taskbar functions differently when you click, double-click, or right-click the icon.
Clicking the Dell Support con
Click or right-click the icon to perform the following tasks:
• Check your computing environment.
• View the Dell upport Utility settings.
• Access the help file for the Dell upport Utility.
• View frequently asked questions.
• Learn more about the Dell upport Utility.
• Turn the Dell upport Utility off.
Double-Clicking the Dell Support con
Double-click the icon to manually check your computing environment, view frequently asked
questions, access the help file for the Dell upport Utility, and view Dell upport settings.
For more information about the Dell upport Utility, click the question mark (?) at the top of
the Dell™ Supportscreen.
Working on Your Computer
Dell™ Latitude™ E6400 and E6400 ATG and
Mobile Workstation Precision™ M2400 Service Manual
Recommended Tools
Before Working on Your Computer
After Working on Your Computer
This document provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer.
Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that:
• You have performed the steps in Before Working on Your Computer.
• You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
NOTE: The color of your system and certain system components may appear differently than

shown in this document.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• mall flat-blade screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• mall plastic scribe
• Flash BIO update (see the Dell upport website at support.dell.com)
Before Working on Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help
ensure your own personal safety.
CAUT ON: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety
instructions that shipped with your computer.
CAUT ON: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should
only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product
documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team.
Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOT CE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding
strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface, such as a connector on
the back of the computer.
NOT CE: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or
contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a
component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
NOT CE: When disconnecting a cable, pull on the cable's connector or on its strain-
relief loop, not on the cable itself. For cable connectors with locking tabs, press inward
on the locking tabs to release the connector. When connecting a cable, ensure that the
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned to avoid damage to the connector and/or
the connector's pins.
1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being
scratched.
2. hut down your computer.
• In Windows XP, click Start→ Shutdown→ Shutdown.

• In Windows Vista, click Start , click the arrow icon, and then click Shut
Down to turn off your computer.
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode. If you
cannot shut down the computer using the operating system, press and hold the power
button for 4 seconds.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
NOT CE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and
then unplug it from the network wall jack.
4. Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.
NOT CE: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery
from the battery bay before you service the computer.
5. Turn the computer upside down.
6. lide the battery release latches toward each other to lock them in an open position.
7. lide the battery out of the battery bay.
1 battery 2 battery release latches (2)

8. Disconnect any external devices and remove any installed cards before working on your
computer:
• To remove any installed cards, such as an ExpressCard, see the Dell™ Technology
Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.
• To undock from a docking station, see the E-Port ser's Guide or the E-Port Plus
ser's Guide onsupport.dell.com.
• To remove a battery slice, see the documentation that shipped with your battery slice
or onsupport.dell.com.
• To remove a cool slice, see the documentation that shipped with your cool slice or
onsupport.dell.com.
• To remove a port cover from the E6400 ATG, lift up and ease the port cover away
from the connectors along the back of the computer.
1 bottom of computer 2 port cover
9. Turn the computer topside up, open the display, and press the power button to ground the
system board.
After Working on Your Computer
After you have completed the replacement procedures, ensure you connect the external devices,
cards, cables, etc. before turning on your computer.
NOTE: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Dell